NAN staff, others win medals at media shooting contest

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NAN staff Ijeoma Okigbo aiming for a shot at the media shooting competition organised by NSF

By Ijeoma Okigbo/Abolade Ogundimu

A staffer of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ijeoma Okigbo has won a silver medal in the women’s category of the maiden edition of the media shooting competition and workshop.

The event organized by the Nigeria shooting Federation (NSF), had Favour Itua of Comfort FM Uyo and Dare Kuti of ACLsports.com UK winning gold medals along with Binta Nuan of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Itua won the gold medal in the air rifle competition, Kuti won in the men’s air pistol contest.

The event had in attendance more than 40 journalists from different media organisations across the country.

The workshop which began on Thursday involved journalists engage in competitions in the air rifle and air pistol men and women categories at the National Stadium’s Shooting Range.

Air riffles on display at the National shooting range, Abuja

Aaron Akerejola of DBN TV Lagos and Jeremiah Umahi of Peoples Television Abuja won the silver and bronze medals in the men’s air rifle event.

Meanwhile, the duo of Obinna Victor and Johnson Akamadi of TSTV clinched the silver and bronze medals in the air pistol event for men.

Anietie Patrick won the only medal for women in the air pistol.

Air pistol male champion Kuti, while speaking after the competition, expressed the hope that the competition would open opportunities for him in the para-military.

“This is like a dream come true for me. In the past, I had applied for enlistment by the Nigerian Army and other military and para-military organisations, but I was dropped due to my height.

“I hope this gold medal will open the windows of opportunity in the nearest future,” he said.

On his part, Itua said he has learnt techniques that could aid him take interest in the sport.

“I feel so excited winning the gold medal even though I less anticipated it, but when I got into the final round I became more focused and serious.

“If the need to represent Nigeria comes, I won’t hesitate because it is a privilege, since I have discovered the techniques involved in the sport.

“With this, I believe shooting in Nigeria henceforth will be better reported and appreciated globally,” he added.

Patrick, on her part, however lauded the NSF for putting together the event.

“It is a rare privilege and I give glory to God to be the only female shooter in the air pistol to win a medal.

“But, big thanks to the NSF, and I hope it can keep up with the partnership to see how we can help,’’ she said.

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